2008 DRAFT 

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NFC NORTH TEAM NEEDS
by Jay Goldberg

CHI          Major Need          Need          Upgrade         Depth Need         Not a Need

QB  The Bears' quarterback of the future is not currently on their roster.  In fact, it can be argued that neither is their quarterback of the present.
RB  It's time to admit that Benson is not a future NFL star running back.  Peterson is solid, but is a backup.  This team needs to get a runner capable of starting in free agency or the draft.
WR  Berrian is a free agent.  Muhammad is on the decline.  Hester and Bradley have speed and potential, but Hester is still learning the position, and Bradley cannot stay healthy.  Davis is a good backup.  This team needs to bring in a receiver who can contribute immediately.
TE A solid pro who responded with a good year when the team brought in a hot shot rookie; a hot shot rookie who gave no reason to doubt he'll be very good; and a third tight end who can block make this a deep and talented unit.
OL  This unit is aging.  The Bears need a tackle.  Preferably a left tackle, with Tait moving to the right side, but if not a left tackle, then a right tackle.  The team could also use a left guard.  Beekman may be the answer, he may not.  Even oif he is a guard to challenge Garza wouldn't be a bad idea.
DL The Bears have good players along their line.  A tackle for depth and as insurance in case Walker is let go and Dvoracek doesn't come back strong from injury, should be added.
LB Briggs is likely to be gone and the Bears are happy with Jamar Williams as his replacement.  Since the Bears do need to bring in some backup linebackers, personally my priority would be a WILL just in case.
DB The Bears have quality corners in Vasher, Tillman, Manning Jr., and McBride.  Safety is a different story.  Brown can't stay healthy, D. Manning is inconsistent, but young enough to improve, and McGowan is a hitter who needs to improve in coverage.  Since Brown can't be counted on, upgrades could be looked for at safety.
ST All is fine in the Bears' kicking and return games.

 

DET          Major Need          Need          Upgrade         Depth Need         Not a Need

QB  The Lions' like Kitna more than I.  He is an okay starter, but is replaceable.  Stanton has potential.  Orlovsky less so.  If there is an upgrade over Kitna available, the Lions' will take it, but that may be hard to find.
RB With the talent on hand, you wouldn't expect this rating to be brown.  However, Jones keeps getting hurt making it difficult for the team to rely on him.  Duckett has his moments, but appears to be better as a backup than a starter.  Bell has game-breaking speed, but can't seem to find a way to win a regular job.  The Lions may draft a runner in this deep draft for running backs.
WR  Williams, Johnson, McDonald and Furrey are as deep and talented top four receivers as there are in the league.  Even fifth receiver Troy Walters can produce if called upon.  Camp fodder is all that will be brought in, although one could force his way onto the roster.
TE Campbell played well two years ago, and then got injured last year.  He is an above average option, but if a stud can be secured it would upgrade the position.  A player to push for a backup spot could also be added.
OL Woody, who was solid when moved to right tackle, is a free agent.  If he leaves, a replacement will be needed.  Backus had an off year, in part due to playing through injuries, but will need to improve from last year's performance for the Lions' line play to improve.  
DL If the Lions can secure a good two-way end to play opposite White, that would improve this unit.  Redding had a down year, but it shouldn't cost him his job.  The question make is the immensely talented Rogers who played up to his abilities when the team was winning, and trailed off down the stretch when the team took a nose dive.  There is talk that the Lions will look to deal him this offseason.  Tackle-insurance (or replacement) is needed.
LB One, possibly two new starters are needed to pair with the human missile, Sims.  Lennon needs to be replaced in them middle.  He could land on the strong side.  If he does, one starting linebacker is needed.  If not, the Lions will need two.  Alex Lewis is a player I thought would be a good NFL starter, but he may have to start over on another team to get that chance.  Detroit hasn't shown faith in him.  Buster Davis is a player I liked in the draft, and he could get a shot in the middle.
DB Of the four players starting in the secondary at the end of the year, free safety Alexander may be the only one to start next year.  The Lions' corners are average at best.  Bullocks, a good young player coming back from injury, should take over strong safety for Bullocks. 
ST Hansen is a solid pro, but it may be time for the Lions to secure a young replacement.  Cason is a good kick returner but he will have a battle to make the team.  A dangerous punt returner could be added.

GB          Major Need          Need          Upgrade         Depth Need         Not a Need

QB  Favre should be back for one more.  Rodgers will be fine as his eventually replacement.  Nall is fine as #3.  If Favre leaves, another quarterback will have to be added.
RB  The Packers found two good young runners, but they weren't the ones the team thought they'd be at the beginning of the year.   Grant is a very good back, and is not a one year wonder.  Wynn, if he can stay healthy, also has the skills to be a good back in the league.  In addition, Jackson and Morency, the two running backs the Pack was counting on in camp, are still around.
WR  A deep and talented unit.  Jennings is a star in the making, Driver still has gas in his tank, Jones played better than In thought he would, Martin is a big target with good hands, and Robinson is a wildcard both in talent and off field behavior.  The team will bring in camp bodies but they will have a tough time with Bodiford and Holiday also hanging around.
TE Lee had a nice year, but needs to back it up to secure his place long term.  A player may be added to battle Franks, Humphrey and Krause for a backup spot on the roster.
OL  The Packers line has a nice mix of young players and experienced pros.  Look for the Pack to bring in a young tackle or two to start developing for the future.
DL Williams is free agent and Jolly is coming off injury, so the Pack could add a tackle in the offseason for depth.  A two-way end to play opposite Kampman should be added.  Jenkins is just okay, and KGB is a pass rush specialist.
 LB Barnett and Hawk are top drawer.  Poppinga is an over-achiever who could be replaced if an upgrade can be found.  That could be Bishop, but SAM will be new for him.  Depth could also be addressed in the offseason.
DB The Packers' corners have better reps than production.  A young stud corner could be added to start off as a nickel and move into the starting lineup later in the year, or next year.  Collins hasn't developed as much as expected at free safety, but Rouse is going to be a good one and should replace him next year.  People forget that Bigby had some very bad moments before becoming a headhunter late on the year.  A player to challenge him and be on hand in case he reverts should be secured.
ST Long snapper Davis is a free agent and 39, but is still a good player.  A punter will be brought on to challenge Ryan.  The Packers have some good options in the return game but could bring in another body, especially someone who can return kicks.

MIN          Major Need          Need          Upgrade         Depth Need         Not a Need

QB  The Vikings need an upgrade.  Whether that comes from improvement from Jackson, or bringing in a vet remains to be seen.  Bollinger and Holcomb are both good backups, but are not enough of an upgrade to sit Jackson.
RB  There are teams where Moore would represent hope and an upgrade at running back and he can't see the field when the Vikings top two backs are healthy.  He is a free agent and almost certain to leave.  Richardson is a top tier fullback, but he too is a free agent.  With Peterson and Taylor still around, however, all the Vikings may need is some end of the roster type players.
WR  This is a position in transition.  It's time for Williamson to go, and for Wade to be a #3 receiver not a starter.  Rice had some nice moments and could be a solid starter in his second year.  Allison is a speedy receiver with good potential, but is probably a year away from being a major contributor on offense.  He could replace wade as the #3 wideout next year.  A solid, reliable,  #2 receiver should be added in free agency.  A player like Bryant Johnson could be a good fit. 
TE Shiancoe was a disappointment.  An upgrade could be in order.  Kleinsasser is a useful backup.
OL  The Vikings have a solid line and some potential on their bench.  However, a guard who can compete for a backup spot could be added.
DL This team needs a dominating pass rushing defensive end.  Udeze and Edwards are okay, but the team needs a player who offenses fear as a pass rusher.   
LB A solid starting unit and good depth mark this unit.  The Vikings will likely add some bodies to challenge for backup spots in camp, but any linebacker coming to this camp should do so knowing his odds are long in making the team.
DB McCauley and Gordon are okay as backup corners, but an upgrade could be secured this offseason, especially through the draft where Winfield's eventual replacement could be added.  A starter at free safety (for Smith) and a young strong safety to groom behind Sharper should also be added.
ST Kicking and punting is in good hands.  Allison is set as their kick returner.  If Moore leaves in free agency (very likely), a punt returner will need to be added.